Girt and purlin retainer

ABSTRACT

A retainer assembly for securing one of a girt and a purlin is provided. In one embodiment, the retainer assembly includes at least one retainer and is configured to be attached to a connecting member. The retainer is further configured to receive and retain a cross-beam, such as a girt or a purlin. The connecting member is configured to be attached to a support member.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to a girt or purlin retainer. More particularly, the application relates to a compressible girt or purlin retainer.

BACKGROUND

Building frames having girt clips and/or purlin clips are known in the art. Generally, a building frame consists of horizontally spaced-apart metal, wood, or polymer frame members. Purlins span between primary framing and a supporting roof material and are “Z” or “C”-shaped members formed from sheet metal, a polymeric sheet material, or wood. Girts span between the frame members to support wall material and are typically “Z” or “C”-shaped members formed from sheet metal, a polymeric sheet material, or wood. Each of the frame members normally has a plurality of vertically-spaced clips secured thereto which extend substantially horizontally to support the girts. Inasmuch as the length of the girts are typically less than the length of the building, the girts are often overlapped and secured together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a girt retaining assembly aligned with a support member;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a girt or purlin retaining assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a single girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a girt or purlin retaining assembly attached to a support member;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a girt retaining assembly aligned with a corner support member;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer having a first retaining plate and a second retaining plate;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 8 illustrates a profile for a girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative profile for a double girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative profile for a simplified girt or purlin retainer;

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or purlin retainer having apertures;

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or purlin retainer having positive fastener angling apertures; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary positive fastener angling aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 attached to first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ and attached to a support member S. The support member S may be a column, wall, roof rafter, or any other known supporting structure, and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ may be a girt, a purlin, or any other known cross-beam having at least a first and second surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 includes a first retainer 110 a attached to a first cross-beam C₁ and a second retainer 110 b attached to a second cross-beam C₂. The first and second retainers 110 a,b are further configured to be attached to a connecting member 120 having at least a first and second surface and shown here as a block. The connecting member 120 is configured to be attached to the support member S.

In one embodiment, the support member S is substantially perpendicular to the ground. Further, the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 is aligned with the support member S such that each of the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ is substantially perpendicular to the support member S and is substantially parallel to the ground. Further, the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 aligns the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ such that the first cross-beam C₁ is co-linear with the second cross-beam C₂. In this embodiment, the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are girts and may be used to support wall material (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the support member S is a roof rafter and first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are purlins that may be used to support roof decking material (not shown). It should be understood that the support member S may be oriented at any angle, and the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 may be attached to the support member S at any desired angle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 120 may be attached to the support member S by nails, rivets, staples, or other such fasteners. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting member 120 has a pair of apertures for receiving a pair of fasteners and the support member S has a pair of corresponding apertures. In one such embodiment, one or more of the apertures may be threaded and configured to receive a screw, bolt, threaded rod, or other such threaded fastener. In another such embodiment, one or more of the apertures may be smooth and configured to receive pins, ties, or other such smooth fasteners.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first retainer 110 a has a U-shaped profile and includes a first leg 210 a, a second leg 220 a, and a connecting portion 230 a joining the first leg 210 a and the second leg 220 a. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second legs 210 a, 220 a is flat and the connecting portion 230 a is curved. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second legs 210 a, 220 a may be curved or angled to match the shape of a desired cross-beam or connecting member. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is straight. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is hinged.

In one embodiment, the first retainer 110 a is a compressible clip configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member 120 and onto a cross-beam (not shown). In one embodiment, the first retainer 110 a is configured to be squeezed by hand onto the connecting member or the cross-beam. In an alternative embodiment, the first retainer 110 a is configured to be squeezed with a vice, a hand tool such as pliers, pincers, vice grips, or other known tools. In another alternative embodiment, the first retainer 110 a may be hammered onto the connecting member or cross-beam.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second retainer 110 b 110 a has a U-shaped profile and includes a first leg 210 b, a second leg 220 b, and a connecting portion 230 b joining the first leg 210 b and the second leg 220 b. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second legs 210 b, 220 b is flat and the connecting portion 230 b is curved. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second legs 210 b, 220 b may be curved or angled to match the shape of a desired cross-beam or connecting member. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is straight. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is hinged.

In one embodiment, the second retainer 110 b is a compressible clip that is configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member 120 and onto a cross-beam (not shown). In one embodiment, the second retainer 110 b is configured to be squeezed by hand onto the connecting member or the cross-beam. In an alternative embodiment, the second retainer 110 b is configured to be squeezed with a vice, a hand tool such as pliers, pincers, vice grips, or other known tools. In another alternative embodiment, the second retainer 110 b may be hammered onto the connecting member or cross-beam.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an exemplary retainer 110. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 110 has a U-shaped profile that includes a first leg 210, a second leg 220, and a connecting portion 230 joining the first leg 210 and the second leg 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second legs 210, 220 are both L-shaped, having a major length and a minor length. The retainer 110 further includes a plurality of teeth 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 310 are V-shaped teeth stamped in the retainer 110 and bent inwards. In other words, the teeth 310 of the first leg 210 are bent towards the second leg 220, and are therefore configured to engage a first surface of a cross-beam (not shown) or connecting member (not shown). Further, the teeth 310 of the second leg 220 are bent towards the first leg 210 and are therefore configured to engage a second surface of a cross-beam or connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 310 are smooth. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the teeth have serrated edges. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the teeth may have a W-shape, a right-triangle-shape, or any other shape having at least one point. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), one or more of the teeth may be replaced with adhesive, rubber strips, or other known engaging or gripping elements.

In this embodiment, when the retainer 110 is squeezed onto the connecting member or cross-beam, the teeth 310 engage and retain the connecting member or cross-beam. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 110 has six teeth on the first leg 210 and six teeth on the second leg 220. It should be understood that more or fewer teeth may be employed as desired.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 retaining a first cross-beam C₁ and a second cross-beam C₂, and connected to a support member S. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the first retainer 110 a is substantially L-shaped having a major length and a minor length. The first retainer 110 a includes a first beam engaging portion 410 a configured to receive and retain a first cross-beam C₁, such as a girt or a purlin. In the illustrated embodiment, the first beam engaging portion 410 a is the major length of the L-shaped retainer. The first retainer 110 a further includes a first connecting member engaging portion 420 a configured to engage the connecting member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 120 is a block. Therefore, for convenience, the first connecting member engaging portion 420 a may be referred to as a first block engaging portion 420 a. However, this term should not be read as limiting, and it should be understood that the connecting member 120 is not limited to having a block shape nor is the block engaging portion 420 a limited to engaging a block-shaped connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the first block engaging portion 420 a is the minor length of the L-shaped retainer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first retainer 110 a includes a taper 430 a between the first beam engaging portion 410 a and the first block engaging portion 420 a. The tapered shape reduces the amount of material used in the first retainer 110 a and provides clearance to ease installation of the crossbeam on a support member (not shown).

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the second retainer 110 b is also substantially L-shaped. The second retainer 110 b includes a second beam engaging portion 410 b configured to receive and retain a second cross-beam C₂, such as a girt or a purlin. In the illustrated embodiment, the second beam engaging portion 410 b is the major length of the L-shaped retainer. The second retainer 110 b further includes a second connecting member engaging portion 420 b configured to engage the connecting member 120. The second connecting member engaging portion 420 b may also be referred to as a second block engaging portion 420 b. However, this term should not be read as limiting, and it should be understood that the connecting member 120 is not limited to having a block shape nor is the block engaging portion 420 b limited to engaging a block-shaped connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the second block engaging portion 420 b is the minor length of the L-shaped retainer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second retainer 110 b includes a taper 430 b between the second beam engaging portion 410 b and the second block engaging portion 420 b. The tapered shape reduces the amount of material used in the second retainer 110 b and provides clearance to ease installation of the crossbeam on a support member (not shown).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ extend beyond the first and second retainers 110 a,b by a distance d. The distance d is selected by a user assembling the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100. In an alternative, such as shown in FIG. 1, the, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are flush with the first and second retainers 110 a,b.

In one embodiment, the first and second retainers 110 a,b and the support member S are constructed of steel, other metal, or another high thermal conductivity material. In this embodiment, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are constructed of wood, a polymer, or other material having a low thermal conductivity. In other words, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are low thermal conductivity members. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ extend beyond the first and second retainers 110 a,b, thereby preventing the first and second retainers 110 a,b from contacting a wall. Instead, the connecting member 120 acts as a thermal break between a wall and the first and second retainers 110 a,b, thereby, reducing the flow of heat between a building interior and exterior.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ are constructed steel, other metal, or another high thermal conductivity material and the connecting member 120 does not act as a thermal break.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a girt retaining assembly 500 for attaching first and second cross-beams C₁, C₂ to a corner support member S_(c). In the illustrated embodiment, the girt retaining assembly 500 includes a first retainer 510 a configured to be attached to the first cross-beam C₁ and a second retainer (not show—hidden from view) configured to be attached to the second cross-beam C₂. The first retainer 510 a is further configured to be attached to a first connecting member 520 a, shown here as a block. The first connecting member 520 a is configured to be attached to the corner support member S_(c) according to one of the methods of attaching described above.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the second retainer (not shown) is further configured to be attached to a second connecting member 520 b, shown here as a block. The second connecting member 520 b is configured to be attached to the corner support member S_(c) according to one of the methods of attaching described above.

As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the girt retaining assembly 500 is aligned with the corner support member S_(c) such that the first cross-beam C₁ is substantially perpendicular to the corner support member S_(c) and is substantially parallel to the ground. Further, second cross-beam C₂ is aligned substantially perpendicularly to the corner support member S_(c) and is also aligned substantially perpendicularly to the cross-beam C₁. In alternative embodiments, the girt retaining assembly 500 may be attached to the corner support member S_(c) at any desired angle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer 600 having a first leg 610 and a second leg 620. In this embodiment, the retainer 600 includes two distinct members rather than a unitary member having a connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second legs 610, 620 have substantially the same profile as the first and second retainers 110 a,b described above in relation to FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 600 includes a plurality of teeth 630, similar to the teeth described above with respect to FIG. 3. It should be understood that the first and second legs 610, 620 can be squeezed onto both a cross-beam (not shown) and a connecting member (not shown). In one embodiment, the retainer 600 is configured to be squeezed by hand onto the connecting member and the cross-beam. In an alternative embodiment, the retainer 600 is configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member and cross-beam with a vice, a hand tool such as pliers, pincers, vice grips, or other known tools. In another alternative embodiment, the retainer 600 may be hammered onto the connecting member and cross-beam.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer 700. In this embodiment, the retainer 700 includes a first leg 710 having a first extension 720 and a second leg 730 having a second extension 740. The first and second legs 710, 730 are joined by a torsion spring 750 configured to bias the first leg 710 towards the second leg 730. A user may separate the first leg 710 from the second leg 730 by squeezing the first and second extensions 720, 740 towards each other. The retainer 700 further includes a plurality of teeth 760, similar to the teeth described above with respect to FIG. 3. A user may attach the retainer 700 to a cross-beam (not shown) or a connecting member (not shown) by squeezing the first and second extensions 720, 740, placing a cross-beam or connecting member between the first and second legs 710, 730, aligning the cross-beam or connecting member with the appropriate teeth 760, and releasing the first and second extensions 720, 740.

FIGS. 8-13 illustrate exemplary profiles of alternative assemblies for retaining a girt or purlin. It should be understood that these profiles may be employed for any of the retainers 110 a,b, 600, 700 described in relation to FIGS. 1-7 above.

FIG. 8 illustrates a profile 800 that is substantially similar to the profiles illustrated above in FIGS. 1-7. In this embodiment, the profile 800 is substantially L-shaped, with a taper 810, and has a plurality of teeth 820.

FIG. 9 illustrates a profile 900 that is substantially similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8. However, in this embodiment, the profile 900 includes a larger block engaging portion 910 configured to engage a larger connecting member (not shown).

FIG. 10 illustrates a substantially U-shaped profile 1000. The U-shaped profile 1000 may be used for a unitary retainer for engaging a connecting member and cross-beam (not shown) instead of using two separate retainers.

FIG. 11 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1100 that is substantially similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8, except it lacks a taper. An L-shaped profile without a taper may be easier to manufacture.

FIG. 12 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1200 that is substantially similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8, except it includes apertures 1210 instead of teeth. The apertures are configured to receive fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment, the apertures 1210 are threaded and configured to receive a screw, bolt, threaded rod, or other such threaded fastener. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures 1210 are smooth and configured to receive pins, ties, nails, rivets, or other such smooth fasteners. It should be understood that a retainer may include both teeth, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and apertures 1210, so that the retaining plate may be attached to the cross-beam (not shown) and connecting member (not shown) in several different ways simultaneously. It should be further understood that apertures may be used in place of teeth in any of the above described profiles.

FIG. 13 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1300 that is substantially similar to the profile 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12, except that instead of simple apertures, the profile employs positive fastener angling apertures 1310. The positive fastener angling apertures 1310 guide a fastener (not shown) diagonally. By using such apertures, a user is able to drive a fastener through both a cross-beam (not shown) and into the support member (not shown), or through both a connecting member (not shown) and into the support member (not shown).

It should be understood that a retainer may include any combination of teeth, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, apertures 1210, such as those illustrated in FIG. 12, and positive fastener angling apertures 1310, so that the retaining plate may be attached to the cross-beam (not shown) and connecting member (not shown) in several different ways simultaneously. It should be further understood that any combination of teeth, apertures, and positive fastener angling apertures may be used in any of the above described profiles.

FIG. 14 illustrates a detail perspective view of the positive fastener angling apertures 1310 of FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile 1300 includes a slit-cut 1410 and guideway means 1420 formed from the deformed material of the profile 1300 in the general shape of one half of a cone having a curved wall. In this configuration, when a fastener F is driven into the profile 1300, the guideway means guides the fastener F diagonally. It should be understood that the fastener F may be any one of a screw, bolt, threaded rod, pin, tie, nail, rivet, or other known fastener.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention. 

1. A retainer assembly for securing a cross-beam to a support member, the retainer assembly comprising: a low-thermal conductor member for attachment to the support member; means for receiving the low-thermal conductor member; means for retaining the low-thermal conductor member; means for receiving the cross-beam; and means for retaining the cross-beam.
 2. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the low-thermal conductor member are means for retaining the low-thermal conductor member without the use of tools.
 3. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the cross-beam are means for retaining the cross-beam without the use of tools.
 4. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the low thermal conductor member is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, a polymeric material, steel and other metal.
 5. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross-beam is a girt.
 6. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross-beam is a purlin.
 7. A compressible clip for securing a cross-beam to a support member, the compressible clip comprising: a first leg having a first block engaging portion and a first cross-beam engaging portion; a second leg, opposite the first leg, having a second block engaging portion and second cross-beam engaging portion; and a connecting portion having a first end adjacent the first leg and a second end adjacent the second leg.
 8. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the cross-beam is one of a girt and a purlin.
 9. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and the second leg are each substantially L-shaped.
 10. The compressible clip of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the second leg each further include a tapered portion.
 11. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and second leg each include a plurality of teeth.
 12. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and second leg each include a plurality of apertures.
 13. A kit for connecting a cross-beam to a support member, the kit comprising: a connecting member having a first surface and a second surface and configured to be attached to a support member; at least one retainer having: a first member with a first portion configured to be attached to the first surface of the connecting member and a second portion configured to be attached to a first surface of the cross-beam, and a second member with a first portion configured to be attached to the second surface of the connecting member and a second portion configured to be attached to a second surface of the cross-beam.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer is a unitary member having a bent portion with a first end adjacent to the first member and a second end adjacent to the second member.
 15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer includes a plurality of teeth.
 16. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a second retainer.
 17. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer is configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member.
 18. The kit of claim 13, wherein the retainer is configured to be squeezed onto the cross-beam.
 19. The kit of claim 13, wherein the connecting member is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, steel, a polymeric material, and other metal.
 20. A cross-beam retaining assembly comprising: a block-shaped member having a low thermal conductivity; a first retainer having a U-shaped profile including a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting member disposed between the first leg and second leg, wherein the first leg is L-shaped and has a major portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the block-shaped member, the second leg is L-shaped and has a major portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the block-shaped member, and the connecting member is curved; and a second retainer having a U-shaped profile including a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting member disposed between the first leg and second leg, wherein the first leg is L-shaped and has a major portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the block-shaped member, the second leg is L-shaped and has a major portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the block-shaped member, and the connecting member is curved. 